Agriculture is everywhere. We live out this universally known, yet taken for granted, notion every day. From the food on our table to the clothes on our backs, agriculture plays a major role in our well-being and quality of life.

We celebrated the abundance that our farmers and ranchers supply us every day during National Agriculture Day, March 20, 2018. This day is the perfect time to bring awareness to agriculture across the nation.

The need for awareness is especially true in Washington D.C., where The Agriculture Council of America hosts the official National Agriculture Day proceedings. This year, Texas FFA State Vice President Lyndi Luttrull attended the event where she represented all 123,000 members back home in the Lone Star State.

Q: Why do you think that it is important to have a national day to celebrate agriculture?

A: Agriculture is an industry that impacts everyone in the nation. That deserves to be celebrated every day! National Agriculture Day provides us the opportunity to tell our story and advocate for agriculture. Raising awareness and celebrating the agriculture industry is the least that we can do to shine a light on our country’s farmers and ranchers.

Q: You were able to hear very influential people speak about American agriculture while attending the event. What was one stand-out moment for you?

A: On the first day of the event, we had a session called Power Talks where we learned about different parts of the Farm Bill. One speaker informed us about the hunger crisis currently happening in the United States. After hearing this my heart broke because children, more than likely students I grew up with, go home to an empty fridge and do not always know where their next meal will come from. I believe that is why FFA is so important, we are the future of agriculture.

Q: Also, while in our nation’s capital you were able to meet with US legislators to advocate for agriculture and FFA. What advice would you give a member looking to do the same on a local level?

A: It was eye-opening to meet with various legislators. The best advice I can offer is to be personable. Be confident in your ability to speak to adults. They value your opinion more than you realize and want to hear what you have to say.

Q: As FFA members, we are always living to serve. What are simple things members can do to support our country’s farmers and ranchers?
A: FFA members can simply show support by advocating. Farmers and ranchers are currently growing the largest amount of product using less land than ever before. They are committed to producing a safe and wholesome food supply. We can do our part by being a positive voice. We are the future agriculture and it is our time to tell the story.

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Each American farmer feeds more than 165 people, a dramatic increase from 25 people in the 1960s. Quite simply, American agriculture is doing more, and doing it better. As the world population soars, there is an even greater demand for the food and fiber produced in the United States.

National Agriculture Day is a time when producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless others across America gather to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture.